National

Sep102026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Stronger Regional Cooperation Needed in South Asia to Combat Wildlife Crime: Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo

Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, MP, has said that stronger regional cooperation is essential to combat wildlife crime in South Asia. He emphasized the need to strengthen regional intelligence-sharing, coordinated law enforcement, and joint operations to address the growing transnational and organized wildlife crime in the region.He made the remarks on 10 September, Thursday, while speaking at the first General Assembly of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), held in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.The Minister said that wildlife and ecosystems do not recognize political borders. Criminal networks are conducting transnational wildlife trafficking by exploiting borders, transportation...

Sep12026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

U.S. Ambassador Highlights American Engineering and Bangladesh’s Railway

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U.S. Ambassador Brent T. Christensen visited Bangladesh Railway's Central Locomotive Workshop in Parbatipur, where Bangladeshi technicians maintain American-made locomotives supporting passenger and freight transportation across the country. Ambassador Christensen toured the workshop, viewed a locomotive manufactured by U.S. company Progress Rail, and met the Bangladeshi railway professionals who maintain the locomotives. He then traveled by train to Saidpur, spoke with passengers, and visited the historic Saidpur Railway Workshop and Museum. Bangladesh Railway's purchase of 40 Progress Rail locomotives demonstrates how U.S. exports and technology can support Bangladesh's infrastructure and development priorities. The visit highlighted the practical and enduring value of expanded trade ...

Aug252026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Bangladesh must diversify energy sources to ensure energy security: Experts

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Bangladesh must diversify its energy mix, reduce fuel wastage, improve efficiency and embrace modern technologies to ensure long-term energy security, experts said on Monday.They made the remarks at a seminar titled “Energy Security in Bangladesh: Understanding the Challenges and Shaping the Way Forward”, organized by the Young Engineers Chapter of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB).The seminar was held at the Council Hall of the IEB headquarters at Shahid Engineer Bhaban in Ramna, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon.Energy security requires a broader approach Presenting the keynote paper, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) member Professor Dr Engineer Syeda Sultana Razia said uninterrupted and affordable energy supply is essential for Bangladesh’s economic deve...

Aug102026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

ADB Vice-President Yingming Yang Pays Courtesy Call on Environment Minister

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Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President (South, Central and West Asia) Mr. Yingming Yang paid a courtesy call on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo.The meeting was held today 10 August 2026 (Monday) in the Minister’s office. During the meeting, they discussed various aspects of the longstanding development cooperation between Bangladesh and ADB, measures to address the adverse impacts of climate change, and ways to strengthen environmentally sustainable development initiatives.The discussions focused on climate adaptation and mitigation, increased climate finance, conservation of forests and biodiversity, control of air and plastic pollution, expansion of renewable energy, and environmentally sustainable urban and infrastructure development. They ...

Aug22026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

BUET professor Dr Sabbir Mostafa Khan appointed Dhaka WASA chairman

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The government has appointed Prof Dr Engr Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan, head of the Department of Water Resources Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), as the new chairman of the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Dhaka WASA) for a three-year term.The appointment was announced through a gazette notification issued on Sunday by the Water Supply-2 Branch of the Local Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.According to the notification, the appointment has been made under Section 7(1) of the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Amendment) Act, 2025, and takes effect immediately in the public interest.Water resources expert to lead Dhaka's utility Prof Khan is widely recognised as on...

Aug22026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Bangladesh Bank hosts Bangla QR awareness session in Habiganj to drive cashless vision

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Bangladesh Bank organized a stakeholder engagement session in Habiganj to accelerate the implementation of Bangla QR and promote interoperable digital payments as part of the country's journey towards a Cashless Bangladesh.BRAC Bank acted as the Lead Bank to organize this interactive session with guidance from Bangladesh Bank.Held at the Habiganj Town Hall Auditorium on 29 July 2026, the event brought together officials from Bangladesh Bank, government representatives, bankers, merchants, entrepreneurs, educators, and media professionals to discuss the role of Bangla QR in expanding secure, seamless, and inclusive digital payments across Bangladesh.The session was graced by Khaled Ahmed, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, Sylhet Office, as the Chief Guest. Habiganj, and Moh...

Jul232026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

DBH opens new branch in Jashore

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DBH Finance PLC. (DBH), the country's specialist housing finance institution, has expanded its footprint with the inauguration of its 18th branch in Jashore. The new branch is located on the 3rd Floor of Salauddin Tower, Holding No. 1508-00, R N Road, Jashore city.The branch was formally inaugurated by Mr. Nasimul Baten, Managing Director & CEO of DBH Finance PLC., in the presence of leading real estate developers from the Jashore region. Other senior officials of DBH also attended the inauguration ceremony. The branch will provide home loans and fixed deposit services to customers in Jashore and the surrounding areas, enabling easier access to DBH's specialized financial solutions.Formerly known as Delta Brac Housing Finance Corporation Limited, DBH Finance PLC. has maintained...

Jul202026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Religious Affairs Minister Meets Saudi Ambassador: Requests Retaining 1% Backup Accommodation

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DHAKA, Monday (20 July 2026): Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), the Minister for Religious Affairs, has requested the Saudi government to retain the backup accommodation quota at 1% for Bangladesh for the 2027 Hajj.He made the request during a meeting with Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, at the Saudi Embassy in Gulshan, Dhaka, this afternoon.The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has fixed the backup accommodation at 2% for the 2027 Hajj, which will increase the overall cost of Hajj. Consequently, the Religious Affairs Minister requested that the backup accommodation for Bangladesh be retained at 1%, as it was for the 2026 Hajj.The Saudi Ambassador stated that he received a semi-official letter from the Ministry of R...

Jul62026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Palestine Ambassador Calls on Cultural Affairs Minister: Invitation Extended for Madrid Cultural Conference

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The Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Bangladesh, His Excellency Mr. Yousef S. Y. Ramadan, paid a courtesy call on the Hon'ble Minister for Cultural Affairs, Mr. Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP, at the latter's ministry office today, Monday, at 11:30 a.m. During the call, the Ambassador personally conveyed an official joint invitation to the Hon'ble Minister to attend a cultural conference in Madrid, Spain. The invitation was extended jointly by H.E. Mr. Ernest Urtasun Domènech, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Spain, and H.E. Mr. Emad A. Hamdan, Minister of Culture of the State of Palestine. Hon'ble Minister Mr. Nitai Roy Chowdhury warmly received the invitation and highly appreciated the significant initiative, noting that culture serves as a vital bridge between peoples, promoting ...

Jul22026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Blue Carbon Finance Crucial to Protect Coastal Communities and Strengthen Delta Economy: Environment Minister

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Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Abdul Awal Mintoo, MP, stated that blue carbon finance is highly essential to protect coastal communities and strengthen the delta economy.The Environment Minister made this remark today, Thursday (2 July), during his opening speech at the international session titled 'Accelerating Integrated Climate Action in Asia and the Pacific: Regional Cooperation for Blue Carbon Finance,' jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Landscape Alliance at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. During the session, he urged the global community to treat the blue carbon ecosystem as a climate asset, community asset, and development asset.Highlighting World Ban...